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Natural third baseman Morel getting time at short

PHOENIX -- With his back healthy, Brett Morel is anxious to rebound from his disappointing 2012 season. The hopeful White Sox third baseman is willing to do anything to show his worth to the club.

Including play shortstop.

Morel, last season's Opening Day third baseman, appeared at shortstop in Thursday's 4-3 loss to the Brewers at Maryvale Baseball Park. He made no plays after entering in the bottom of the fifth, with the only ball hit his way a grounder up the middle he dove for but came up empty.

Manager Robin Ventura said the club decided to give Morel the chance to move around the infield, something the 25-year-old said he's open to.

"Like I said when I first got here, my goal is to play third base every day. I think that kind of has to be your mindset," Morel said. "And if they want me to play other positions, and that's going to get me to break camp and on that 25-man roster, then I'll do anything."

Thursday wasn't necessarily a foreign voyage for Morel. He said he played shortstop growing up in high school, college and even appeared in 17 games there with Triple-A Charlotte in 2010. He said he took a few ground balls at the position during batting practice prior to the game, but was confident in his defensive ability, noting the main thing he worked on was turning double plays.

Ventura said he's optimistic Morel can field the position well, and is glad to give him the chance.

"Give him some opportunities out there. We went to him and he's done it before in the past," Ventura said. "With all the guys competing for jobs, it's good to be able to have a little versatility like that."